Universal modular pulse oximeter probe for use with reusable and disposable patient attachment devices

ABSTRACT

A system and method of standardizing modular probe housings so that the standardized probe housings may be incorporated into probes adapted to work with at least one of a multiplicity of manufacturers&#39; oximeters. The probe housings are adapted to matingly engage at least a disposable bandage apparatus and a reusable finger attachment device.A sensor system for sensing a physiological parameter of a patient. A reusable probe sensor comprises a first housing element and a second housing element. The first housing element comprises at least one light emitter and the second housing element comprises at least one light detector. The first and second housing elements are movably coupled and configured to receive a disposable sensor shield. A disposable sensor shield comprises a first liner portion having a first aperture and a second liner portion having a second aperture. The first and second liner portions are configured to receive an appendage. The first and second apertures are configured to be aligned to allow light from the at least one light emitter to pass through the first aperture, the appendage, and the second aperture, to the at least one light detector during use. The disposable sensor shield is configured to engage the reusable probe sensor.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissueof U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,585. The reissue applications are applicationSer. No. 11/404,123, filed Apr. 13, 2006, application Ser. No.12/573,851, filed Oct. 5, 2009, which is a continuation reissueapplication of the application Ser. No. 11/404,123 and claims thebenefit thereof, and the present application, which is a divisionreissue application of the application Ser. No. 12/573,851 and claimsthe benefit of both of the prior reissue applications, all three ofwhich are broadening reissues of U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,585.

This applicationU.S. Pat. No. 6,721,585 is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 09/417,898, filed Oct. 14, 1999, entitled REUSABLEPULSESPULSE OXIMETER PROBE AND DISPOSABLE BANDAGE APPARATUS, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,343,224, which in turn is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 09/289,647, filed Apr. 12, 1999, entitled REUSABLEPULSE OXIMETER PROBE AND DISPOSABLE BANDAGE APPARATUS and, now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 6,144,868,; and is a continuation-in-part of applicationof Ser. No. 09/679,828, filed Oct. 5, 2000, entitled REUSABLE PULSEOXIMETER PROBE AND DISPOSABLE BANDAGE APPARATUS, now U.S. Pat No.6,519,487; and is a CiP continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/352,144, filed Jul. 13, 1999 and is CiP of, entitled REUSABLE PULSEOXIMETER PROBE WITH DISPOSABLE LINER, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,100; andis a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No 09/758,038, filed Jan.11, 2001, entitled REUSABLE PULSE OXIMETER PROBE AND DISPOSABLE BANDAGEMETHOD, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,091; each of which is incorporatedherein by reference. This application claims benefit of U.S. provisonalprovisional application No. 60/104,332, filed Oct. 15, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of making and affixing areusable probe to a patient by means of disposable bandage apparatus sothat there is no contact between the costly, reusable portion of theprobe and the patient. The contaminated bandage apparatus, which isrelatively inexpensive, can then be discarded after single patient useand the probe can be re-used with a new bandage apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Heretofore the use of pulse oximeter probes has been limited to the useof a costly, reusable probe, which is contaminated by use on a patient,or cheaper, single-use probes, which, in the aggregate, amount to aconsiderable expenditure for a healthcare institution.

Others have attempted to convert single-use probes into multi-use probesthrough a lamination process. In that process, the original adhesivematerial is removed from the original manufacturer's sensor. The sensoris then laminated in a plastic sheath and the entire sheath is theninserted into a transparent, adhesive-backed sleeve, which is thenadhered to a patient. After use, the probe can then be extracted fromthe sleeve and inserted into a new sleeve for use on another patient.

There are certain disadvantages to this method. Firstly, it is difficultto insert the flexible laminated sensor into a long sleeve. Secondly,the thickness of a laminated sensor inside of a sleeve makes itdifficult to bend around, and to stick properly to, a human appendage.Thirdly, transmission and reception of infrared light can be affected byextraneous light entering from the sides of the sleeve. And, fourthly,there is some dispute as to the affect on infrared light transmissionwhen passing through the sleeve and the adhesive material coupledthereto.

One of the problems with pulse oximetry, and the continuity ofmonitoring a patient, is the vast array of different monitors used indifferent hospital departments. Many times a patient will start out inthe emergency room (ER) where the hospital utilizes one particular brandof monitor. If a disposable probe is affixed to the patient, and thepatient is then admitted to intensive care, the disposable probe thatwas affixed in the ER will only work if the pulse oximeter used inintensive care is of the same make as the one in the ER. If that samepatient is once again taken to radiology, or to have an MRI done, onceagain these different departments may have different pulse oximetermonitors. What happens many times is that the disposable probes affixedin one department are thrown away and new ones are affixed in otherdepartments. Obviously, this creates additional expense in providingpulse oximetry monitoring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current applicant, in his U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,868, and subsequentcontinuations-in-part, has described a reusable pulse oximeter probe tobe used with a disposable bandage apparatus. With this device, thecostly reusable portion of the probe is isolated from the patient bymeans of an inexpensive bandage apparatus. This allows the caregiver todispose of the inexpensive bandage apparatus while retaining the morecostly, reusable portion of the probe. The reusable probe can then beused in conjunction with another disposable bandage apparatus on anotherpatient.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to improving theform and affixation method of a reusable pulse oximeter sensor. Itcomprises a reusable pulse oximeter probe with at least one lightemitting diode and one photocell detector wherein said emitter anddetector are enclosed in plastic housings, one housing having anaperture or radiation transparent window aligned with said emitter, andthe other housing having an aperture or radiation transparent windowaligned with said detector. Also included is a disposable bandageapparatus which is at least one bandage strip having adhesive on atleast a portion of at least one face thereof and at least two plasticreceptacles mounted thereon, each receptacle having at least oneaperture or radiation transparent window located therein. The probehousings can matedly engage said bandage receptacles and transmit andreceive light through the apertures or radiation transparent windows ofsaid mated housings and receptacles, and through the appendage of apatient. The housings of the reusable pulse oximeter probe may also bemade of a material selected from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or othercomposite material. The receptacles of the disposable bandage apparatusmay also be made of a material selected from plastic, rubber, metal,wood, or other composite material. Additionally, the apertures of saidreceptacles are large enough to accept the tubular protrusions of thehousings for the purpose of concentric location and alignment of thehousings to the receptacles and the proper transmission and reception oflight therethrough. Sandwiched between the adhesive strip and thereceptacles attached thereto, are translucent silicone windows orwindows of another radiation transparent material for isolation of thereusable probe assembly from the patient. The bandage apparatus may bediscarded after single patient use and the reusable probe may be usedagain on another patient in conjunction with another bandage apparatus.Additionally, the receptacles of the bandage apparatus may have aconcave surface on one side thereof in order to seat conformably on ahuman digit, or they may have a flat surface on at least one sidethereof in order to attach conformably to a human foot, nose, or ear.The housings and receptacles also contain “mushroom hook” type hook andloop material for the purpose of adhering and detaching said housings toand from said receptacles. Additionally, the housings and receptacleshave recessed areas for adhesion of the “mushroom hook” hook and loopmaterial.

In another embodiment of the invention, the receptacle of the disposablebandage apparatus may be the mushroom hook material itself which may beattached directly to the adhesive strip for the selective engagement ofthe housings of the probe assembly.

In another embodiment of the invention, the housings of the pulseoximeter probe may be affixed to the receptacles of the disposablebandage apparatus by means of a “ring and groove” type snap-onconnector.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the housings of the reusablepulse oximeter probe may be affixed to the receptacles of the disposablebandage apparatus by means of a “twist and lock” type connector.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the housings of the pulseoximeter probe may be affixed to the receptacles of the disposablebandage apparatus by means of a “threaded flange” type of connector.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light emitting diode andphotocell detector of the probe assembly may be mounted in modularhousings with locking levers which can engage an indentation or slot inthe receptacles of the disposable bandage apparatus and securely lockthe housings into proper position within the receptacles, thus allowingthe transmission and reception of infrared light through the matedhousings and receptacles and through the appendage of a patient.

In another variation of this preferred embodiment of the invention, thelevers and indentations are reversed, and the light emitting diode andphotocell detector of the probe assembly may be mounted in modularhousings having indentations therein, and the receptacles of thedisposable bandage apparatus may have the locking lever located on them.In such an embodiment, the locking levers of the bandage receptacleslockingly engage the slots or indentations in the probe housings, thuslocking them into place within the receptacles and allowing thetransmission and reception of infrared light through the mated probehousings and bandage receptacles, and through the appendage of apatient.

In these modular housing and receptacle embodiments, the radiationtransparent windows may be of hard plastic and may be mounted againstthe skin of a patient, thus being used to secure the receptacles on theopposite side of the bandage strip. This is accomplished by theincorporation of locking levers on the radiation transparent windowswhich are pushed through holes or slots in the bandage and engage holesin the receptacles mounted on the opposite side of the bandage, thussandwiching the bandage in between. A foam strip with holes in it mayalso be adhered to said radiation transparent windows in order for themto rest comfortably on a patient's appendage.

In another variation of the above, the bandage receptacles may besecured to the bandage through the use of small plastic protrusions or“heat stakes” mounted on the receptacles themselves. These protrusionscan be pushed through slots in the bandage and can be melted on theother side of the bandage strip by means of an ultrasonic weldingmachine, thus locking the receptacles into position on the bandagestrip. In this embodiment a radiation transparent window may then beadhered to the underside of the bandage strip and the heat stakes andradiation transparent windows may then be overlaid with a foam pad withholes in it, the purpose of which is to allow for the transmission andreception of infrared light through the holes while aiding in patientcomfort.

In some embodiments, one object is to provide a method of facilitatingthe intra-departmental or inter-institutional transport of a patient orpatients requiring the pulse oximeter monitoring, and wherein said pulseoximeters used for monitoring said patient may be of differentmanufacturers. The method comprises affixing to said patient a bandageapparatus having a modular emitter and detector receptacles incorporatedthereon, providing each said different manufacturers' pulse oximeterprobe with modular housings adapted to matedly engage and/or disengagewith receptacles of the disposable bandage apparatus, thus enabling saidpatient to be monitored by pulse oximeters of different manufacturerswithout changing the affixed bandage apparatus.

With some embodiments of the present invention, intra-departmental orinter-institutional transport is greatly facilitated by having a bandagedevice which will accept probes of various manufacturers, as long asthose probes contain housings that will matedly engage the receptaclesof the disposable bandage apparatus.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method ofmaking and affixing a reusable finger probe to a patient by means of afinger clip apparatus with a disposable liner insert so that there is nocontact between the costly, reusable portion of the probe and thepatient. The contaminated liner, which is relatively inexpensive, canthen be discarded after single patient use and the probe and finger clipcan be re-used with a new liner. Additionally, such disposable insertsmay be provided of different sizes and would greatly enhance the fit andfunction of the finger clip on the patient. This is important forseveral reasons. Firstly, a fitted finger clip would be much morecomfortable to wear than conventional finger clips. Secondly, a fittedfinger clip would allow the transmission and reception of infrared lightfrom the LEDs of the probe without interference from extraneous lightsources around the front and edges of the finger, and thirdly, a fittedfinger clip would evenly distribute the pressure from the spring of thefinger clip and would be much less likely to restrict blood flow to thedigit and thereby cause erroneous oxygen saturation readings.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method forimproving the reusability, fit, and cleanliness of a reusable pulseoximeter finger sensor. It comprises a reusable pulse oximeter probewith at least one light emitting diode and one photocell detectorwherein said emitter and detector are mounted in respective finger cliphousing arms having apertures therein, one housing arm having anaperture aligned with said emitter, and the other housing arm having anaperture aligned with said detector. Incorporated into each opposingside of the finger clip is a T-shaped channel or slot with a lockingprotrusion or detent at the entrance of each of the channels. Alsoincluded is a disposable foam liner which is an initially, substantiallyplanar, foam strip, having plastic backing on at least a part thereofand two T-shaped protrusions mounted in the lateral plane of saidplastic backing. At opposing ends of the foam strip, and incorporatedinto the T-shaped protrusions, are notched levers for locking the foamstrip into position in the T-shaped channel of the finger clip. In thecenter of the foam strip, the plastic backing is of a thickness thatwill allow it to bend into a “U” shape for insertion into the fingerclip. Alternatively, the plastic backing may be entirely absent and theinherent flexibility of the foam itself will allow it to bend into thedesired shape. Additionally, the foam strip contains two apertureslocated centrally therein containing silicone windows, or windows ofanother radiation transparent material, that will allow for thetransmission and reception of infrared light. Additionally, the foam mayalso contain an adhesive for helping to adhere the finger clip to thepatient.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the finger clip may beof scaled down design and would allow for the insertion of differentsizes of molded foam that would conform in size to the digit on whichthe finger clip is to be used. In such an application, the foam itselfwould be intended to substantially envelop the finger and the fingerclip would be a mechanism for pinching or biasing the two foam halvestogether.

Despite the cost and safety advantages of the reusable probe anddisposable bandage apparatus over disposable probes, an increasingnumber of institutions are beginning to utilize reusable finger clipprobes because of the cost savings associated with a completely reusableproduct. Despite the discomfort of these devices and the risk ofspreading infection from patient to patient, the trend toward reusableprobes continues to strengthen.

However, in all institutions there is always the need for somedisposable probes. Patients who have compromised immune systems,surgical patients, where sterility is important, and neonatal andpediatric patients, where the size of the appendage to be monitored istoo small for finger clips, require the use of disposable probes or adisposable bandage apparatus.

Clearly, it would be advantageous to offer a universal, modular,reusable probe that could be used in conjunction with either a reusablefinger attachment device or a disposable bandage apparatus, each havingreceptacles into which the reusable probe could be lockingly engaged anddisengaged. In addition, probes from all the different oximetermanufacturers could be standardized so that they could be used inconjunction with these same patient attachment devices.

THE PRESENT INVENTION

TheOne embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system and amethod of standardization of a pulse oximeter probe wherein the probecomprises at least one light emitting diode and at least one photocelldetector wherein said emitter and detector are incorporated into modularplastic housings, at least one housing having an aperture or radiationtransparent window aligned with said emitter, and at least said secondhousing having an aperture or radiation transparent window aligned withsaid detector; wherein said housings can lockingly engage and disengagereceptacles mounted on at least either:

-   -   (a) a reusable finger attachment device, or    -   (b) a disposable bandage apparatus,        and transmit and receive light through the appendage of a        patient when either of the above devices are attached to a        patient and when the housings of said probe are matedly engaged        with the receptacles of the attached device.

The receptacles of the disposable bandage apparatus or the reusablefinger attachment device may have locking levers for lockingly engagingand disengaging the modular probe housings.

The probe housings may have indentations or detentes for lockinglyengaging and disengaging the levers of the receptacles of the disposablebandage apparatus or reusable finger attachment device.

The disposable bandage apparatus may have radiation transparent windowsfor the isolation of the probe housings from the patient.

The probe housings may be standardized in size so that probes to fit atleast one of a multiplicity of manufacturers' oximeters will incorporatehousings that can be matedly engaged with either a reusable fingerattachment device or a disposable bandage apparatus.

WhatAccording to one embodiment, what is disclosed is thea method ofsupplying pulse oximeter probes compatible with at least one of amultiplicity of manufacturers' oximeters, said probe or probesincorporating standardized probe housings, which can be matedly engagedwith at least either a reusable finger attachment device or a disposablebandage apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other advantages of the invention will become more clearwhen considered with the following specifications and accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the reusable pulse oximeter probe anddisposable bandage apparatus incorporating one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the reusable pulse oximeter probe and disposablebandage apparatus shown individually as components of the one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the invention in use on a humanfinger or digit;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of theinvention in which the “mushroom hook” material itself is used as thereceptacle of the disposable bandage apparatus;

FIG. 5 illustrates an assembled view of a preferred embodiment of thereusable pulse oximeter sensor in which the light-emitting diode andphotocell detector of the reusable probe are mounted in modular housingswith locking levers;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of thereusable pulse oximeter sensor;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of abandage apparatus in which the receptacle tops incorporate a slot forengaging the locking levers of modular probe housings, and whereinradiation transparent windows are mounted on the opposite side of thebandage strip, thus sandwiching and securing the bandage in between thetwo receptacle halves by means of locking levers;

FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention as it wouldappear ready for use on a human digit;

FIG. 9 is a patient flow diagram showing the intra-departmental orinter-institutional transport of a patient;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of how probe housings can utilizefiberoptic cable connecting a light emitter and detector to a disposablebandage according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an assembled view of another embodiment of theinvention in which the housings of the pulse oximeter probe are affixedto the receptacles of the disposable bandage apparatus by means of ringand groove type, snap-on connectors;

FIG. 12 illustrates an assembled view of another embodiment of theinvention in which the housings of the pulse oximeter probe are affixedto the receptacles of the disposable bandage apparatus by means of“twist and lock” type connectors;

FIG. 13 illustrates an assembled view of another embodiment of theinvention in which the housings of the of the pulse oximeter probe areaffixed to the receptacles of the disposable bandage apparatus by meansof a “threaded flange” type of connector;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of thereusable pulse oximeter probe in which the light emitting diode andphotocell detector of the probe are encased in housings having aradiation transparent window therein and locking levers for affixing thereusable pulse oximeter probe to the disposable bandage apparatus;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of thedisposable bandage apparatus in which the receptacle tops incorporate aslot for engaging the locking levers of the modular probe housings, andwherein the radiation transparent windows are mounted on the oppositeside of the bandage strip, thus sandwiching and securing the bandage inbetween the two receptacle halves by means of locking tabs or heatstakes that can be ultrasonically welded;

FIG. 16 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention as it wouldappear ready for use on a human digit;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded view of another preferred embodiment ofthe invention in which the probe housings have a slot or indentationincorporated therein and the bandage receptacles have a locking leverfor securing the housings to the receptacles;

FIG. 18 illustrates an assembled view of one embodiment of the inventionin which the probe housings have a slot or indentation incorporatedtherein and the bandage receptacles have a locking lever for securingthe housings to the receptacles;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a standard pulse oximeter probe andfinger clip with disposable liner;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of one preferred embodiment of the inventionincorporating two disposable liners having finger conformance;

FIG. 1 21 is a exploded view of a pulse oximeter probe incorporatingmodular plastic housings,;

FIG. 2 22 is an exploded view of a disposable bandage apparatusincorporating modular plastic receptacles,;

FIG. 3 23 is a view of the disposable bandage apparatus with the probeengaged and in use on the appendage of a patient,;

FIG. 4 24 is an exploded view of a reusable finger attachment deviceincorporating modular plastic receptacles,; and

FIG. 5 25 illustrates the reusable finger attachment device, with theprobe engaged, and in use on a human appendage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reusable Pulse Oximeter Probe and Disposable Bandage Apparatuses andMethods

Description of a Reusable Pulse Oximeter Sensor

The reusable pulse oximeter sensor constitutes a “Y” style pulseoximeter probe shown in FIG. 1, Item F. The probe incorporates twoplastic housings shown as FIG. 1, Items G. The housings containapertures or radiation transparent windows L therein. One housingcontains the light-emitting diode of the probe, FIG. 1, Item H, andother contains the photocell detector, FIG. 1, Item I. The emitter anddetectors are aligned with the apertures or windows L of the housings inorder to transmit and receive light through a human appendage.

Seated within a recessed area of each housing, and attached permanentlythereto, is a “mushroom hook” adhesive-backed pad, FIG. 1, Item K. Thepurpose of these pads is to selectively engage the “mushroom hook” pads,FIG. 1, Items J, attached permanently to the plastic discs, FIG. 1,Items D, and to attach the reusable probe assembly to the DisposableBandage Apparatus. The reusable pulse oximeter sensor is shown assembledas FIG. 2, Item A.

In one preferred embodiment of the reusable pulse oximeter sensor, thelight-emitting diode (FIG. 5, Item A) and photocell detector (FIG. 5,Item B) of the probe assembly are housed in modular receptacles (FIG. 5,Items C) having locking levers (FIG. 5, Items D) for engaging thereceptacles of the disposable bandage apparatus, and locking them intoplace. In this embodiment, the light-emitting diode (FIG. 6, Item A) andthe photocell detector (FIG. 6, Item B) are sandwiched betweeninterlocking receptacle halves, the bottom halves of which (FIG. 6,Items C) are made of a radiation transparent material.

In another embodiment of the invention the light emitting diode andphotocell detector of the reusable pulse oximeter sensor are enclosed inhousings (FIG. 11, Items A) having a groove on the inner diameter of thehousings that is designed to matedly engage rings (FIG. 11, Items B)located on the outer diameter of the disposable bandage apparatus, thussecuring and locking the sensor housings to the bandage receptacles.

In another embodiment of the invention the light emitting diode andphotocell detector of the reusable pulse oximeter sensor are enclosed inhousings (FIG. 12, Items A) which are designed to enter the bandagereceptacles (FIG. 12, Items B) and to twist 90 degrees thus locking thesensor housings to the bandage receptacles.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the light emitting diode andphotocell detector of the reusable pulse oximeter sensor are enclosed inhousings (FIG. 13, Items A) having a threaded flange (FIG. 13, Items B)that threadedly engages the bandage receptacles, (FIG. 13, Items C) thussecuring and locking the sensor housings to the bandage receptacles.

In the one preferred embodiment of the Reusable Pulse Oximeter Sensor,the light emitting diode (FIG. 14, Item A) and photocell detector (FIG.14, Item B) of the probe assembly are housed in modular receptacles(FIG. 14, Items C) having locking levers, (FIG. 14, Items D) forengaging the receptacles (FIG. 15, Items A) of the disposable bandageapparatus, and locking them into place.

In the another preferred embodiment of the Reusable Pulse OximeterSensor, the light emitting diode (FIG. 17, Item A) and the photocelldetector (FIG. 17, Item B) are encased in modular housings having aradiation transparent bottom (FIG. 17, Items C) and having opaquehousing tops (FIG. 17, Items D). These housing tops and bottoms areultrasonically welded together thus encapsulating the light emittingdiode and photocell detector of the probe assembly. The housing topsincorporate indentations or slots (FIG. 17, Items E) designed to matedlyengage a protrusion on the locking levers of the bandage receptaclesthus snapping into place and securing the probe housings within thebandage receptacles.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, intra-departmentalor inter-institutional transport is greatly facilitated by having abandage device which will accept probes of various manufacturers, aslong as those probes contain housings that will matedly engage thereceptacles of the disposable bandage apparatus.

Description of a Disposable Bandage Apparatus

The components of the apparatus include an adhesive-backed strip, shownas FIG. 1, Item A, the strip A incorporating two oval protrusions Bcentered thereon and shown as FIG. 1. The strip also incorporates twoapertures, centrally located within the oval protrusions, each apertureC having a diameter sufficient in size to accommodate the transmissionand reception of light from a light-emitting diode and photocelldetector of a pulse oximeter probe.

On top of the apertures C are seated two plastic discs, FIG. 1, Item D,each having a concave base designed to conform to the radius of a humandigit, and an aperture of slightly larger diameter than the apertures inthe adhesive backed planar strip. The plastic discs are affixed to theadhesive planar strip by means of a permanent adhesive.

Seated in a recessed area on top of each plastic disc is a “mushroomhook”, adhesive backed pad shown as FIG. 1, Item J. The purpose of the“mushroom hook” pads is to selectively engage the “mushroom hook” padsattached to the probe, FIG. 1, Items K, and to attach the probe to thedisposable bandage apparatus. Sandwiched between the two plastic discsand the planar adhesive strip are two translucent silicone windows, FIG.1, Item E. The windows are designed to permit the passage of infraredlight and yet prevent contact between probe and patient, andconsequently, contamination of the reusable probe itself.

The above items constitute the disposable bandage apparatus according toone embodiment of the invention, the apparatus being shown assembled asFIG. 2, Item B.

In another embodiment of the invention, the disposable bandage apparatusmay be configured as in FIG. 4 of the drawings. FIG. 4 is an explodedview of the apparatus in which the “mushroom hook” pads of the bandageapparatus, FIG. 4, Items J, are bonded directly to the adhesive planarstrip, FIG. 4, Item A, for the selective engagement of the “mushroomhook” pads of the probe, FIG. 4, Items K, the pads being attachedpermanently to the housings of the probe, FIG. 4, Items G.

In one preferred embodiment of the disposable bandage apparatus, thebandage strip (FIG. 7, Item A) is sandwiched between interlockingreceptacle halves. The top halves of the receptacles (FIG. 7, Items B)contain locking levers (FIG. 7, Items C) that are pushed through slotscut in the bandage strip (FIG. 7, Items D) and lockingly engageindentations (FIG. 7, Items E) in the bottom halves of the receptacles(FIG. 7, Items F), thus sandwiching and locking the bandage in between.The bandage strip contains two apertures (FIG. 7, Items G) for thetransmission and reception of light from the light-emitting diode andphotocell detector of the pulse oximeter sensor which are encased inmodular housings having locking levers (FIG. 5, Items D) wherein thelevers engage slots in the receptacles (FIG. 7, Items H) thereby lockingthe housings into place within the receptacles. In addition, the bottomhalves of the receptacles (FIG. 7, Items F) are of a radiationtransparent material, thus allowing the light-emitting diode andphotocell detector contained in the probe housings, when engaged in thebandage receptacles, to transmit and receive light through the aperturesof the bandage strip and through the radiation transparent material ofthe bottom halves of the receptacles, and through the appendage of apatient. The complete reusable pulse oximeter probe and bandage assemblyis shown assembled and ready for use on a human digit in FIG. 8.

In other embodiments of the disposable bandage apparatus, the bandagemay have mounted thereon receptacles having means of matedly engagingthe housings of the reusable pulse oximeter sensor by way of “ring andgroove”snap-on type connectors (FIG. 11, Items B); “Twist and Lock” typeconnectors (FIG. 12, Items B); or “threaded flange” type connectors(FIG. 13, Items C).

In one preferred embodiment of the Disposable Bandage Apparatus, thebandage strip (FIG. 15, Item B) is sandwiched between interlockingreceptacle halves. The top halves of the receptacles (FIG. 15, Items A)each contain 4 holes (FIG. 15, Items C) that are designed to matinglyengage locking tabs (FIG. 15, Items D) on the bottom half of thereceptacles (FIG. 15, Items E) that are pushed through slots cut in thebandage strip (FIG. 15, Items F) thus securing and locking the bandagein between.

The bandage strip contains two apertures or radiation transparentwindows (FIG. 15, Items G) allowing for the transmission and receptionof light from the light emitting diode and photocell detector of thepulse oximeter sensor which are encased in modular housings havinglocking levers (FIG. 14, Items D) wherein said levers engage slots inthe receptacles (FIG. 15, Items H) thereby locking the housings intoplace within the receptacles. In addition, the bottom halves of thereceptacles (FIG. 15, Items E) can be of a radiation transparentmaterial, or may contain apertures (FIG. 15, Items I) thus allowing thelight emitting diode and photocell detector contained in the probehousings, when engaged in the bandage receptacles, to transmit andreceive light through the apertures of the bandage strip and through theradiation transparent material, or apertures, of the bottom halves ofthe receptacles, and through the appendage of a patient. The disposablebandage apparatus may also incorporate a foam strip (FIG. 15, Item J) inorder to cushion a patient's appendage from any discomfort caused by thebottom half of the bandage receptacles. The complete Reusable PulseOximeter Sensor, engaged in the disposable Bandage Apparatus, and readyfor use on a human appendage, is shown in FIG. 16.

In another preferred embodiment of the disposable bandage apparatus, thebandage receptacles (FIG. 17, Items G) are secured to the bandage (FIG.17, Item K) by means of four protrusions or “heat stakes” (FIG. 17,Items H) which are pushed through slots (FIG. 17, Items J) on thebandage (FIG. 17, Item K) and are ultrasonically welded on the otherside, thus securing the receptacles to the bandage. A radiationtransparent window (FIG. 17, Item M) is then adhered to the underside ofthe bandage and the radiation transparent windows and melted heat stakesare then overlaid by a foam pad (FIG. 17, Item L) to aid in patientcomfort. This foam pad also incorporates two holes which are inalignment with the two holes on the bandage itself, and when the foampad is overlaid on the underside of the bandage, the radiationtransparent windows are sandwiched in between.

The probe housings are designed to matedly engage the bandagereceptacles (FIG. 17, Items G) and are held in place within thereceptacles by means of protrusions (FIG. 17, Items F) on the lockinglevers (FIG. 17, Items I) which snap into place when the probe housingsare pushed into the bandage receptacles. When the probe housings arelocked into place within the bandage receptacles the light emittingdiode and photocell detector are in alignment with the holes in thebandage and the foam overlay, and the probe is then able to transmit andreceive light through the mated housings and receptacles, through theholes contained in the bandage and foam overlay, and through theappendage of a patient. The complete assembled Reusable Pulse OximeterSensor engaged within the Disposable Bandage Apparatus, as it wouldappear ready for use on a patient, is shown in FIG. 18.

Other Fastening Means

As can be appreciated, there are many ways of fabricating the abovecomponents of the invention. The above description describes attachmentof the reusable pulse oximeter sensor to the disposable bandageapparatus by way of a “mushroom hook” type hook and loop material and bythe use of telephone type modular connectors and receptacles. Inaddition to this means, a number of other methods may be used includingstandard hook and loop material, “ring and groove” type snap-onconnectors, “push and twist” type Luerlock connectors, and threadedflange type connectors. While these means are fairly comprehensive, theyshould in no way be considered exhaustive.

Method of Use

According to one method for use on an individual patient, the probe isaffixed in the following manner:

Firstly, the backing is removed from the adhesive strip of thedisposable bandage apparatus. One of the apertures of the apparatus isvisually positioned on the center of the nail bed of the patient'sappendage and one side of the adhesive strip and the oval protrusionsare adhered to the patient's digit. The rest of the strip is then loopedover the end of the patient's appendage, and the plastic disc is alignedso as to exactly oppose the plastic disc already attached to the otherside of the digit. Once the disposable bandage apparatus has beenproperly adhered to the patient, the plastic housings of the probeassembly can be easily snapped into place on opposing sides of thedigit. The entire assembled probe is shown as it would appear in use ona patient in FIG. 3.

According to one method for use with the “ring and groove” type snap-onconnectors, “twist and lock”, and “threaded flange” connectors, thebacking is firstly removed from the adhesive strip. The strip is thenfolded in half where indicated on the bandage and the bandage apparatusis adhered to either side of the human digit. Once the bandage apparatusis in place the probe housings are simply snapped, twisted or screwedinto place.

According to one method for use with a patient, the modular probe andbandage assembly, which is one preferred embodiment of the invention,would be attached as follows:

Firstly, the backing is removed from the adhesive strip. The strip isthen folded where indicated on the bandage and the strip is then adheredto opposing sides of the human digit. Once the bandage apparatus is inplace, the housings of the probe are pushed into the receptacles andlocked in place by means of the locking levers. When the patient ismoved between different service areas of a hospital, the probes can beremoved and the patient transported to a new service area where thatarea's oximeter probes are pushed into the receptacles for furtheroximeter readings.

As shown in FIG. 9, one embodiment of the invention is easily adaptableto different manufacturers' oximeters being used in differentdepartments or institutions when the patient is to be transportedbetween the departments or institutions. As shown in FIG. 9, at theadmissions area AD, when the patient is admitted to the hospital orfacility, an oximeter bandage is initially applied. Then the patient maygo through another testing area or department D1 where variousserological, pathological tests may be run. Then the patient is shown asbeing transported to a radiology area such as where X-ray and magneticresonance images (MRI) scans are made. Other departments may have thepatient transported thereto such as a surgery department DS and arecovery room RR and the patient's room PR where, in each instance, adifferent manufacturer or different oximeter probes may be attachedwhere, according to the invention, the receptacles on the bandages areable to receive and retain housings on the emitter and detector elementsof the probe.

An example of the flexibility of the system of this invention isillustrated in FIG. 10. In this pictorial embodiment, a magneticresonance image system or an MRI machine is shown as being positioned inone room with the patient and having applicant's disposable bandageapparatus attached to the finger of a patient. In this case, the patientis in the MRI facility where the patient is just having MRI work done.The probe housings are shown attached at the ends of fiberoptic cableconnected to a connector which has the light-emitting diode and thelight detector incorporated therein with a connector or plug forplugging into a pulse oximeter PO. The light-emitting andlight-receiving ends of the fiberoptic cable are directed or oriented inthe modular housings to emit IR light into the finger and receive IRlight transmitted through the finger. It will be noted that since in theMRI application no ferrous materials are allowed, the LED's are placedin a room many feet away (up to fifty or more feet away) and (theoximeter device is in optical communication with the applicant's bandageapparatus. Thus, in situations where non-ferrous materials are required,the probe has non-ferrous housings and materials designed to matedlyengage with the receptacles of applicant's disposable bandage apparatus.The housings of the probe are in fiberoptic communication with the LED'swhich would be at the other end of the probe near the pulse oximeter.

As shown above, in case of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) situationswhere the presence of any metal in the environment can effect the MRIreadings, the probe and emitter elements are situated remotely from theMRI machine and fiberoptic cable conveys light to and from the patient'sfinger. In this case, the oximeter probe housings are the terminationends of the fiberoptic cable and the modular housings are therefore ableto be inserted into the bandage receptacles and the oximeter readingstaken in this fashion from a remote area.

In some embodiments of the invention, when the probe is no longerrequired on the patient, the housings of the reusable probe are simplyunsnapped from the disposable bandage apparatus, the bandage apparatusis thrown away, and the probe can then be reused on a new patient inconjunction with a new bandage apparatus.

Advantages of Some Embodiments

Current reusable pulse oximeter probes are either “clam shell” typeclamping devices which can restrict circuit or “Y” type probes which aretaped directly to the patient. Both types also come in direct contactwith the patient's skin and bodily fluids and need sterilization afteruse. Because of the fact that these devices incorporate many surfacesand at times, porous materials, proper sterilization is very difficult.With some embodiments of the present invention there is no contactbetween the reusable probe and the skin or bodily fluids of the patient.

Disposable probes are very costly because of the fact that the cable,connectors and photodiodes are all disposed of after use. Someembodiments of the present invention accomplishe the same goals as adisposable probe from a cleanliness standpoint, but since only theattachment apparatus is discarded after use, the cost is much less to ahealthcare institution.

One embodiment of the present invention, with the concave shape of theplastic discs of the bandage apparatus, when backed by the adhesivestrip, is extremely effective in preventing the entrance of extraneouslight from the sides of the patient s digit. Current probes on themarket, whether disposable or reusable, because of the nature of theirshape and affixation means, have problems in dealing with extraneouslight reception.

One embodiment of the present invention utilizes an easy snap-on,snap-off, or modular connector attachment means for attaching the probeto the disposable bandage apparatus. Probe-shield type devices availablein the past not only required the modification of the originalmanufacturer's probe, but required the difficult procedure of insertinga flexible laminated probe into a sheath for each patient.

Probe-shield devices, because of the lamination process involved, raisedsome concern over the transmission and reception of infrared lightthrough the laminating material. One embodiment of the present inventionuses a silicone window for the isolation of the probe from the patient.Infrared light transmission and reception is not affected by passagethrough translucent silicone.

In these days of environmental consciousness, the annual waste generatedfrom tens of millions of disposable probes is enormous. Some embodimentsof the present invention, if used in considerable numbers, would greatlyreduce the amount of environmental waste generated by disposable pulseoximeter probes.

In some embodiments, intra-departmental or inter-institutional transportis greatly facilitated by having a bandage device which will acceptprobes of various manufacturers, as long as those probes containhousings that will matedly engage the receptacles of the disposablebandage apparatus.

Reusable Pulse Oximeter Probe with Disposable Liner

Description of a Reusable Pulse Oximeter Probe

According to one embodiment, the Reusable Pulse Oximeter Sensorconstitutes a finger clip style pulse oximeter probe shown as FIG. 19,Item A. The probe incorporates two plastic housing arms, each housingarm containing apertures therein, said apertures shown as FIG. 19, ItemsC. One housing (HAE) contains the light emitting diode of the probe, andthe other (HAD) contains the photocell detector. The emitter anddetectors are aligned with the apertures of said housings in order totransmit and receive light through a human appendage. The housings areheld together by a pin incorporating a spring, FIG. 19, item B, whichinclines the two housings toward each other and clamps the apparatus ona human digit.

Within each housing is a “T” shaped channel, FIG. 19, item D, with alocking notch at the entrance thereof, said notch shown as FIG. 19,items E. The purpose of the channel and notch is to slidably engage thedisposable liner of the finger clip and to lock it into its appropriateposition within the finger clip. The probe is attached to a pulseoximeter through a connector, FIG. 19, item K. The above descriptionconstitutes the Reusable Pulse Oximeter Probe component of theinvention.

Description of a Disposable Liner or Shield

According to one embodiment, the components of the disposable liner orshield include an initially planar foam strip shown as FIG. 19, item F,incorporating two apertures, centrally located within the strip, andshown as FIG. 19, Items I, Each aperture has a diameter sufficient insize to accommodate the transmission and reception of light from a lightemitting diode and photocell detector of the reusable pulse oximeterprobe. Each aperture has a silicone window, or window of anothermaterial, which will allow for the transmission and reception ofinfrared light therethrough.

On either end of the foam strip there is a thin plastic backing, FIG.19, items G, having a “T” shaped protrusion mounted in the lateral planethereof and shown as FIG. 19, item H. The purpose of the “T” shapedprotrusion is to slidably engage the “T” shaped channel of the reusablesensor, FIG. 19, item D, and to lock into place by means of the lockinglevers, FIG. 19, items J, a releasable detent.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, there are two disposablefoam liners, with finger-shaped indentations therein, said indentationsvarying in size depending on the size of the patient's digit on whichthey are intended to be used. In this embodiment, the foam liners, FIG.20, items F, have a plastic backing, FIG. 20, items G. The plasticbackings have “T” shaped protrusions mounted thereon, FIG. 20, items H,which slidably engage the “T” shaped channel of the finger clip, FIG.20, items D, the locking levers, FIG. 20, items J, engaging the lockingnotches of the finger clip, FIG. 20, items E, and securing the foam intoplace.

Other Fastening Means

As can be appreciated there are many ways of attaching the DisposableLiner or Shield to the Reusable Pulse Oximeter Probe. The abovedescription describes attachment of the Disposable Liner to the ReusablePulse Oximeter Probe by way of a modular type sliding connector. Inaddition to this means a number of other methods may be used including,hook and loop material, snap-on connectors, and removable adhesive.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MODULAR PULSE OXIMETER PROBE

Universal Modular Pulse Oximeter Probe for Use with Reusable andDisposable Patient Attachment Devices

Description of a Modular Pulse Oximeter Probe

TheAccording to one embodiment, the Modular Pulse Oximeter Probeconsists of a “Y” type probe assembly in which the Light Emitting Diode(FIG. 1 21, Item A) and the Photocell Detector (FIG. 1 21, Item B) areincorporated into modular plastic housings. Said housings have anaperture or radiation transparent window incorporated therein so thatsaid emitter and detector may be in communication with each other whensaid windows are in alignment with each other. In this preferredembodiment the modular housings consist of two half shells whichencapsulate each the emitter and detector, one side of said shells (FIG.1 21, Items C) being fabricated of an opaque plastic material and theother half of said shells (FIG. 1 21, Items D) being fabricated of aradiation transparent plastic material. The housings are designed inorder to accommodate at least one of a possible multiplicity ofmanufacturers' light emitting diodes and photocell detectors. Thehousings may also contain an indentation (FIG. 1 21, Items E) into whicha locking lever of the receptacles of the disposable bandage apparatusor reusable finger attachment device may lodge in order to secure theprobe housings to the receptacles of the preferred attachment device.The cable (FIG. 1 21, Item F) and the connector (FIG. 1 21, Item G) ofthe probe may also be interchanged in order to be compatible with amultiplicity of different manufacturers' oximeters.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISPOSABLE BANDAGE APPARATUS

Description of a Disposable Bandage Apparatus

TheAccording to one embodiment, the disposable bandage apparatusconsists of at least one adhesive bandage strip (FIG. 222, Item A)wherein at least two receptacles (FIG. 222, Items B) are mounted on saidstrip. Said receptacles are mounted over apertures in the strip (FIG.222, Items C) so that these apertures may diametrically oppose eachother when the bandage strip is wrapped over the end of a patient'sappendage. The Receptacles of the Disposable Bandage Apparatus may alsoincorporate locking levers (FIG. 222, Items D) that are intended toengage the indentations in the housings of the probe (FIG. 121, Items E)thus securing the probe housings within the bandage receptacles. Theapparatus may also contain a radiation transparent window (FIG. 222,Items E) for isolation of the probe housings from the patient and mayalso incorporate an additional foam strip (FIG. 222, Item F) withapertures (FIG. 222, Items G) for cushioning the patient's appendagefrom the radiation transparent windows. FIG. 323 illustrates thedisposable bandage apparatus with an engaged probe as it would appear inuse on a human appendage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REUSABLE FINGER ATTACHMENT DEVICE

Description of a Reusable Finger Attachment Device

TheOne preferred embodiment of the Reusable Finger Attachment Devicecomprises a flexible plastic or foam strip (FIG. 424, Item A) with tworeceptacles (FIG. 424, Items B) mounted thereon. Said receptacles aremounted over apertures in the strip (FIG. 424, Items C) so that theseapertures may diametrically oppose each other when the bandage strip iswrapped over the end of a patient's appendage. The strip alsoincorporates two perforated tabs (FIG. 424, Items D) and two additionaltabs with molded knobs (FIG. 424, Items E) so that when the strip islooped over a human digit, the tabs with the perforations overlay thetabs with the knobs and these, when pressed together, can adjustably andremovably interlock with each other for securing the device to a humandigit. The Receptacles of the Reusable Finger Attachment Device may alsoincorporate locking levers (FIG. 424, Items F) that are intended toengage the indentations in the housings of the probe (FIG. 121, Items E)thus securing the probe housings within the bandage receptacles. FIG.525 illustrates the device as it would appear in use on a patient withthe probe housings engaged in the Reusable Finger Attachment Device.

Other Fastening Means

As can be appreciated there are many means of fabricating either theDisposable Bandage Apparatus and the Reusable Finger Attachment Deviceusing modular receptacles into which a universal modular probe housingcould be lockingly engaged. While these devices may offer the mostefficient method fabrication and/or user friendliness, they are by nomeans exhaustive.

Method of Use

Whether using the Disposable Bandage Apparatus or the Reusable FingerAttachment Device, the methods of use are essentially the same. Witheither apparatus, the end of the human appendage is wrapped by thedevice and, in the case of the Disposable Bandage Apparatus, theadhesive strip simply sticks to the skin of the patient. With theReusable Finger Attachment Device, the tabs containing the perforationsand knobs are simply overlaid and pushed together thus securing thedevice to the digit. With either device the probe housings are pushedinto the receptacles of the device and are locked into place by thelocking levers that engage the indentations in the probe housings. Whenthe monitoring of the patient is complete, the locking levers of thereceptacles of either device are lifted in order to release the probehousings and the probe is removed from the device. In the event that aDisposable Bandage Apparatus is in use, it is then thrown away after theprobe has been removed. When a Reusable Finger Attachment Device is inuse, it may be removed, washed, and reused on another patient.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Advantages of Some Embodiments

1. The standardization of probes within a hospital whereby amultiplicity of manufacturers' oximeters could utilize probes havinghousings of the same size for engaging either reusable or disposableattachment devices is very favorable.

2. Finger attachment devices on the market today are hard wired to theprobes, and when breakage occurs on the finger clip, the entire probemust be repaired or thrown away. With some embodiments of the presentinvention, when breakage occurs in either the finger attachment deviceor the probe itself, only the broken component has to be replaced.

3. A big problem exists with maintaining the cleanliness of reusablefinger clips because the electronics are not removable from the fingerclip and the device cannot be immersed or cleaned. With some embodimentsof the present invention, the Reusable Finger Attachment Device can beremoved from the probe and cleaned or sterilized.

While the invention has been described in relation to preferredembodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that otherembodiments, adaptations and modifications of the invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pulse oximeter probe system comprising a probehaving at least one light emitting diode and at least one photocelldetector wherein said emitter and detector are incorporated into modularplastic housings, at least one housing having an aperture or radiationtransparent window aligned with said diode, and at least a secondhousing having an aperture or radiation transparent window aligned withsaid detector; a selected one of: (a) a reusable finger attachmentdevice having a first modular receptacle pair mounted thereon, or (b) adisposable bandage device having a second modular receptacle pairmounted thereon; wherein respective ones of said housings can lockinglyengage and disengage respective ones of said modular receptacles andtransmit and receive light through the appendage of a patient when theselected one of the above devices (a) or (b) is attached to a patientand when the the respective receptacles of the attached device; and thereceptacles of the disposable bandage device or the reusable fingerattachment device have locking levers for lockingly engaging anddisengaging said modular probe housings, respectively.
 2. The probesystem of claim 1 in which said housings have indentations for lockinglyengaging and disengaging the levers of receptacles of a disposablebandage apparatus or reusable finger attachment device.
 3. The probesystem of claim 1 wherein said disposable bandage apparatus incorporatesradiation transparent windows for the isolation of the probe housingsfrom the patient.
 4. The probe system of claim 1 in which the probehousings of probes to be used on a multiplicity of manufacturers'oximeters are adapted to be matedly engaged with a selected reusablefinger attachment device or a disposable bandage apparatus havingreceptacles designed to mate with said probe housings.
 5. A reusablefinger attachment device for use with a pulse oximeter probeincorporating modular housings, comprising said attachment deviceincorporating modular receptacles for matingly engaging said modularprobe housings; wherein the receptacles of the reusable fingerattachment device have locking levers for lockingly engaging anddisengaging said modular probe housings.
 6. The reusable fingerattachment device of claim 5 which said modular probe housings areadapted to be removed from said reusable finger attachment device inorder to clean or sterilize said reusable finger attachment device.
 7. Amethod of standardizing probes comprising designing probe housings to bematingly engageable with modular receptacles of a disposable bandageapparatus and a reusable finger attachment device and furtherconstructing said probe housings to be incorporated into probes adaptedto work with at least one of a multiplicity of manufacturers' oximeters.8. A sensor system for sensing a physiological parameter of a patient,the system comprising: a reusable probe sensor comprising a firsthousing element and a second housing element, wherein the first housingelement comprises at least one light emitter and the second housingelement comprises at least one light detector, wherein the first andsecond housing elements are movably coupled and configured to receive adisposable sensor shield, wherein each of the first and second housingelements comprises a modular connector for engaging respective modularconnectors of a disposable sensor shield; a disposable sensor shieldcomprising a first liner portion having a first aperture and a secondliner portion having a second aperture, wherein the first and secondliner portions are configured to receive an appendage, wherein the firstand second apertures are configured to be aligned to allow light fromthe at least one light emitter to pass through the first aperture, theappendage, and the second aperture, to the at least one light detectorduring use, wherein the disposable sensor shield is configured to engagethe reusable probe sensor, and wherein each of the first and secondliner portions comprises a modular connector for engaging respectivemodular connectors of the first and second housing elements, wherein atleast one of the modular connectors comprises a locking member.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, comprising a connector configured to couple thereusable probe sensor to a pulse oximeter system.
 10. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the reusable probe sensor is a clip-type sensor. 11.The system of claim 8, comprising a portable monitor configured to becoupled to the reusable probe sensor.
 12. The system of claim 8, whereinthe reusable probe sensor comprises a hinge portion coupling the firstand second housing elements.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein thereusable probe sensor comprises a spring.
 14. The system of claim 8,wherein the disposable sensor shield forms a cavity for receiving theappendage.
 15. The system of claim 8, wherein the disposable sensorshield is configured to slidably engage the reusable probe sensor. 16.The system of claim 8, wherein each of the first and second linerportions comprises an adhesive.
 17. The system of claim 8, wherein thedisposable sensor shield comprises snap-on connectors.
 18. The system ofclaim 8, wherein at least one of the first and second aperturescomprises a window.
 19. The system of claim 8, wherein the modularconnectors of the first and second housing elements comprise slots. 20.The system of claim 8, wherein the modular connectors of the first andsecond liner portions comprise slot engaging members.
 21. A device foruse with a reusable probe sensor in a system for sensing a physiologicalparameter of a patient, the device comprising: a disposable sensorshield comprising a first liner portion having a first aperture and asecond liner portion having a second aperture, wherein the first andsecond liner portions are configured to receive an appendage, whereinthe first and second apertures are configured to be aligned to allowlight from a light emitter of a reusable probe sensor to pass throughthe first aperture, the appendage, and the second aperture, to a lightdetector of a reusable probe sensor, and wherein the disposable sensorshield is configured to be coupled to a reusable probe sensor to shieldthe reusable probe sensor from contact with the appendage, wherein eachof the first and second liner portions comprises a modular connector forengaging respective modular connectors of the reusable probe sensor,wherein at least one of the modular connectors comprises a lockingmember.
 22. The device of claim 21, comprising one or more securingfeatures configured to interact with one or more corresponding featuresof the reusable probe sensor to releasably secure the disposable sensorshield with the reusable probe sensor.
 23. The device of claim 21,wherein the disposable sensor shield forms a cavity for receiving theappendage.
 24. The device of claim 21, wherein the disposable sensorshield is configured to slidably engage a reusable probe sensor.
 25. Thedevice of claim 21, wherein each of the first and second liner portionscomprises an adhesive.
 26. The device of claim 21, wherein thedisposable sensor shield comprises one or more locking features selectedfrom the group consisting of a fastener, a hook-and-loop type material,a snap-on connector, a ring, a groove, a notch, a twistable connector, acontoured portion of a receptacle, a threaded connector, a flange, atab, an indentation and a slot.
 27. The device of claim 21, wherein thefirst liner portion is attached to the second liner portion.
 28. Thedevice of claim 21, wherein the first liner portion is separate from thesecond liner portion.
 29. The device of claim 21, wherein at least oneof the first and second apertures comprises a window.
 30. A method ofpreparing a system for sensing a physiological parameter of a patent,the method comprising: providing a reusable probe sensor comprising afirst housing element and a second housing element, wherein the firsthousing element comprises at least one light emitter and the secondhousing element comprises at least one light detector, wherein the firstand second housing elements are movably coupled and configured toreceive a disposable sensor shield, wherein each of the first and secondhousing elements comprises a modular connector for engaging respectivemodular connectors of a disposable sensor shield; providing a disposablesensor shield comprising a first liner portion having a first apertureand a second liner portion having a second aperture, wherein the firstand second liner portions are configured to receive an appendage,wherein the first and second apertures are configured to be aligned toallow light from the at least one light emitter to pass through thefirst aperture, the appendage, and the second aperture, to the at leastone light detector during use, wherein the disposable sensor shield isconfigured to engage the reusable probe sensor, and wherein each of thefirst and second liner portions comprises a modular connector forengaging respective modular connectors of the first and second housingelements, wherein at least one of the modular connectors comprises alocking member; coupling the disposable sensor shield to an appendage;and coupling the disposable sensor shield to the reusable probe sensor.31. The method of claim 30, comprising: transmitting light through theappendage; and sensing a physiological parameter of the patent.
 32. Themethod of claim 30, comprising: uncoupling the disposable sensor shieldfrom the reusable probe sensor; and uncoupling the disposable sensorshield from the appendage.